I don’t often link to photo websites (maybe I should do this more often?), but Timecatcher.com caught my eye with its clean design and amazing landscape photography. Quite a humbling experience really…

“This site is dedicated to the beauty this planet has to offer. Most of the time we are unaware of these wonderful places or just too busy to stop for a moment and appreciate what’s been given to us so preciously. Photography has the power to bring all those incredible images right into our home and has given us the drive to create this project.

What better way to experience our wonderful world than to bring together a team of passionate photographers from around the world (Patrick Di Fruscia, Adam Burton, Kenneth Kwan, Francis Cailles, Ian Cameron, Richard Nicholls) that day after day, constantly strive to capture that magical moment. Hopefully, this site will help you experience the true beauty that lies not only in far away places but also in your own neighbourhood. So, sit back, immerse yourself and get ready to start on this wonderful worldwide journey.”

Website: Timecatcher.com

dotPhoto, Inc. Press Release 14/07/04

DOTPHOTO INTRODUCES MUSEUM-QUALITY POSTER PRINTS & WALL COVERINGS

West Trenton, NJ - July 14, 2004 - dotPhoto, Inc. www.dotphoto.com, a leading award-winning photo-sharing and digital photography web site, announced today the ability for consumers to print poster-sized prints and wall coverings online from digital and scanned photos. Available now at www.dotphoto.com (after joining with a free membership), everyone can create beautiful posters of their photographic artwork for gifts or personal use. Landscapes, sporting events, animals, nature, and friends and family can be turned into museum quality print sized from 12” x 18” mini-posters up to 24” x 36” wall coverings with special introductory prices from $9.99 to $17.99 until July 31, 2004.

“Consumers will be surprised to see the professional posters they can make out of their own photos, and our professional and newspaper photographers will be happy that they can sell posters in addition to the gifts and framed prints that they already sell through dotPhoto,” said Glenn Paul, President & Co-founder, dotPhoto, Inc.

The latest issue (July) of the online magazine Rangefinder is stuffed to the gills with photography goodness. Or to put it another way, there’s lots of new photography articles in the new issue of Rangefinder magazine :-) Here are some handy links to my picks of the bunch…

- Digital Quality Not Questioned
“I believe this claim indicates that image quality is no longer an issue with digital imaging. There are now enough digital cameras on the market that supply high enough image quality for all the different facets of the marketplace. From here on out, features and pricing will determine one?s choice in digital cameras, as much as anything. The quality of pixels will become more important than the number.”

- First Exposure: Canon EOS 1D Mark II
“There are virtually no tradeoffs with the Mark II. That?s why you?ll find Canon promoting the camera as the solution for wedding and portrait photographers as well as sports photographers. Priced at $4500, it is hitting the marketplace at $1000 less than its predecessor did when it first appeared. However, it is three times the cost of the very capable 6.0-megapixel EOS-10D camera.”

- Images That Speak
“Have you ever been in the company of someone that just “hung around”? These people are just there - generally with nothing to say or contribute, no opinions. They would be the equivalent of the color beige. In other words - they are very boring! Eight years ago, when searching my soul for where I wanted to be in the future as an imagemaker, I made a decision - a simple decision in theory, but a challenging one in practice. I no longer wanted my images to merely “hang around.” I wanted my images to speak!”

Website: Rangefinder Magazine - July 2004

Mike Johnston’s monthly Sunday Morning Photographer column looks at the thorny issue of truth in photography:

“I’m a fundamentalist when it comes to truth in photographs. I think all pictures ought to be as true as possible, and that the only excuse for manipulation, beyond “fixing” the photograph technically, are changes meant to make it subjectively more truthful to the photographer’s perception of the subject. Changes for the sake of fit, “illustration,” decoration, or eye appeal make pictures not better photographs, but merely less photographic.”

Website: Sunday Morning Photographer: Comparisons and the Odious: Fakery, Actual and Conceptual

sh1ft.org’s 26 Things for July 2004 has started today!

The new list of things to find and photograph is now online. Those new to the game, please visit the website.

The July 2004 list is a bit more challenging than previous games, but never fear! Next month, 26 Things will post up a much easier list for everyone to hunt!

Website: sh1ft.org: 26 Things

WebFormation, Inc. have announced a number of significant changes to ExposureManager, a service that makes displaying and selling photography online quick and effortless. ExposureManager allows photographers to upload and display their photos. They are given complete freedom in the look and feel of their galleries, and are also able to customize a variety of templates through an easy-to-use interface.

The changes are:

1) You can now use ExposureManager to display your photography but to do the printing and fulfillment yourself. Through ExposureManager’s interface you can create as many product-price combinations as you want. ExposureManager will take care of the credit card transaction and send you an order confirmation.

2) For event photographers that want to use our fulfillment services we made life easier by now offering a ‘display only’ upload. Once an order is received, the photographer is e-mailed to upload the high resolution file. This way photograpers can save themselves many hours of uploading files.

3) We added a journal template (see
http://memorialdayproject.exposuremanager.com). It allows you to create a photo journal or a simplified blog. Rather than entering on a gallery overview it allows you to set a photo as an entry point.

Website: http://www.exposuremanager.com

Steves Digicams have started a new “Tech Corner” monthly column, written by Mike Chaney, who is the creator of Qimage Pro. Mike’s first article is called “The megapixel race. Where did it start? Where will it end?”.

“In 1996, I bought my first digital camera, a Kodak DC40. At the time, it was one of the only consumer cameras available and at 768 x 504 resolution, it offered only a little more than one third of a megapixel. It didn’t even offer a way to view your pictures on the camera, but it sure was cool. A year and a half later, I shelled out even more cash for one of the next generation: an Olympus D600L with a whopping megapixel of resolution. With that purchase, I became aware that the megapixel race had begun and that I’d be spending a lot of money on this new technology.”

Website: Steves Digicams - “The megapixel race. Where did it start? Where will it end?”

Fujifilm UK Press Release 23/06/04

Fujifilm launches Lablinkpro Internet Print Service linking pro-labs with professional photographers

Previewed at this year’s Focus 2004, Fuji Photo Film (UK) Ltd has officially launched LablinkPro, its eagerly awaited advanced internet print service.

Unlike existing internet print services that focus on general consumer retail business, LablinkPro has been specifically designed for pro-labs and professional photographers, linking the two together.

For pro-labs this approach represents the perfect way to tap into the growing professional internet print market, increasing processing levels and making Frontier minilab equipment work harder. Similarly for the LablinkPro photographer the system is designed to reduce processing time and streamline business practices, allowing them to obtain the best possible print quality and speed of service, whilst tying in these individuals to a pro-lab of their choice.

Jessops Press Release

National Photography Week has kicked off, and it runs all the way through to Sunday the 27th. It’s going to be a huge event, and to celebrate, jessops.com has a whole host of events lined up.

For a start, we’ve got some unmissable competitions. You could win a complete digital imaging solution comprising a PC, camera, printer and accessories, or alternatively you could go for our seventh heaven comp where first prize is worth ?30,000. If you don’t fancy that, try your luck with prizes from Fuji, Canon and Powerflash! Pop into your local Jessops store for details.

We’re also running a series of webinars, where you can chat to professionals online about any photo issues, tips or queries. We?ve got some of the industry’s biggest names lined up ready to talk pictures with you. Click here for more details.

You can also enjoy our in-store camera clinics and products days, which are being held up and down the country. Just visit www.jessops.com/photoweek to keep right up to date with everything that we?re doing.

Plus, look out for some great deals on all the latest kit from the world’s leading manufacturers, all on jessops.com! The latest, greatest offers will be updated on our homepage throughout the week - www.jessops.com

After a very successful first event, the unique photographic scavenger hunt 26 Things is set to be repeated on July 1st 2004. The first 26 Things was held in July 2003 with over 400 people hunting for the 26 items listed by Tracey of sh1ft.org. On Thursday July 1 (Australian time), a new list of 26 Things will be posted on the website at sh1ft.org/26things and you will have the whole month of July to search for them. It really is that simple :-)

Website: sh1ft.org

Luminous Landscapes lastest article, “The Buffalo National River”, is a photographic celebration of one of the less well known North American landscapes.

“The Buffalo National River offers many wonderful photographic opportunities throughout the ever-changing seasons. Waterfalls are abundant in the spring, and the beautiful fall foliage of the mostly deciduous forests can rival that of the colors found in the eastern United States. The winter snows are rare yet lovely additions to the various scenes found at the national river while the summer is a more challenging season due to the heat, humidity and insects.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - The Buffalo National River

DIWA Press Release 11/06/04

FotoAparat, the leading digital imaging website for Czech and Slovak languages, becomes the 11th member of the DIWA organisation.

DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), the fast-growing association of expert Web-based publications specialising in digital imaging product reviews, has signed up its eleventh member publication: www.fotoaparat.cz, the top digital photography editorial site for Czech and Slovak languages.

Fotoaparat means “camera” in Czech and Slovak. The site was founded in 1999 by Andrej and Helena Macenauer and is now the leading website of its kind in the region. The mission of FotoAparat is to share their photographic expertise with the readers, helping them to develop and improve their photographic talents. FotoAparat provides all the information photographers need: detailed tests and reviews of cameras, printers, scanners and software, an interactive database of photographic products, as well as over 350 unique articles about photography, techniques and equipment. Users learn from each other to improve their photographic skills in the impressive interactive gallery.

In this month’s Sunday Morning Photographer column Mike Johnston looks at the subject of prettiness in photography.

“I don’t mean to look down my nose at the work of amateur photographers, or to imply that I don’t like looking at pictures. On the contrary, some of the amateur work I see is excellent, and occasionally remarkable. And I have a protean appetite for looking at photographs. It’s just that I tend to look at pictures actively - I tend to seek the intelligence behind them, the coherence between one photographer’s different pictures, the purpose and meaning of what I’m looking at. And this is where the fatigue comes from?because after a while, it starts to become clear to me that what the majority of people are chiefly seeking is simply prettiness.”

Website: Sunday Morning Photographer: Scenic Fatigue

International Imaging Industry Association Press Release 08/06/04

Harrison, N.Y. June 8, 2004 - The International Imaging Industry Association (I3A), the leading global association for the imaging industry, today announced open enrollment for the Initiative to create Version 2.0 of its cutting-edge suite of specifications, CPXe.

All interested companies are invited to join I3A and sign up to participate in the new Initiative, which just received approval from I3A’s Management Committee. The enrollment form is available for download from the I3A Members-Only Web site, at members.i3a.org (member password needed). All companies may learn more about CPXe and how to join I3A at www.i3a.org.

Based on an open-standard Web Services framework, CPXe enables the global transmission of digital pictures, order and commerce information between any and all digital cameras, PCs, desktop software, Internet services, photo kiosks, digital minilabs and photofinishers. By incorporating CPXe, imaging device and software vendors give their customers a seamless connection to a range of digital imaging services. Released in February 2003, Version 1.0 of the CPXe specification is available for free download from the I3A Web site, www.i3a.org.

Outdoor Eyes is a photography website aimed at the wildlife, landscape and travel photographers. Their June Newsletter has several interesting articles on photography, digital editing, outdoor adventure, and other topics.

Website: Outdoor Eyes - June Newsletter

Website: Outdoor Eyes

The Aperture Foundation Press Release 08/06/04

The Aperture Foundation is pleased to announce that we have launched a student/educator discount page on the Aperture website.  This page offers students and educators a one year subscription for $25 as opposed to the normal rate of $40.  The URL is http://www.aperture.org/student.html, please spread the word to anyone you think would be interested.

Peeled Eye Printbox Press Release 09/06/04

PRESS RELEASE FOR WWW.PEELEDEYEPRINTBOX.CO.UK
LAUNCHING JUNE 2004

Product details
Peeled Eye PrintBox is a brand new online service offered to photographers who want to exhibit and sell their work as fine art prints. It is a fully e-commerce enabled solution specifically designed for serious photographers who want to quickly and easily set up a stylish and affordable dedicated online print sales gallery, and provide an elegant showcase for their work.

The key to the PrintBox concept is autonomy. Each PrintBox gallery is set up and administrated by the user and the attached e-commerce functionality is unique to each user.  You set your own selling preferences and customer payment options. Administration tools are sophisticated yet simple to use. You can customise your PrintBox with your own branding and text, use it as a standalone gallery website, or integrate it seamlessly with an existing website. You can upload up to 80 images and display up to eight at a time on a series of up to 10 gallery walls. You can then arrange the images on the walls to appear in the order you want them to, just as you would on a real wall.

Nikon USA Press Release 07/06/04

Nikon Coolpix 101 Site Wins Prestigious Best on Long Island Award in ‘Educational Internet Website’ Category

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 7 /PRNewswire/—Nikon Inc. and its innovative Coolpix(R) 101 site (http://www.coolpix101.com), designed to inform users about the many facets of digital photography, was recently recognized by the Long Island Advertising Club as the “Best Educational Internet Website” at the annual Best on Long Island (BOLI) 31 Awards.  Using the latest in Multimedia Flash technology, Coolpix 101 has been praised for its creative ability to instruct any digital photographer in a wide variety of topics, from understanding pixels to emailing pictures.

“We are thrilled to have been selected as a winner in this year’s competitive and prestigious BOLI awards,” said Tracy Mack-Jackson, senior manager of Internet development and programs at Nikon Inc.  “Coolpix 101 remains an excellent example of Nikon’s continued focus on providing interactive and educational websites and services to help consumers better
understand and enjoy our products.”

Princess Cruises Escapes Press Release 31/05/04

This summer sees the return of the Princess Cruises Escapes Travel Photography Awards - the biggest professional and amateur travel photography competition in the UK.

Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural competition which received over 5,000 entries, the Princess Cruises Escapes Travel Photography Awards are once again calling for members of the public to enter the cream of their travel photography for the chance of winning either a luxury Mediterranean cruise on one of Princess Cruises grand class ships (amateur category) or £10,000 cash (professional category).

Photographs can be entered under one of 5 categories - Land-scapes, Sea-scapes, City-scapes and Sport-scapes, a new category for 2004 which will capitalise on the wealth of exciting sporting events that are taking place around the world this year.  Also returning this year is the popular ?E-scapes? category in which photographers are asked to capture the emotion of travelling as opposed to the destination itself.  This may be by using people to communicate the culture of a country or capturing a particular scene that really tells a story of a place.

If you are even vaguely interested in sports photography then you should definitely pay a visit to SportsShooter, which calls itself “the resource for sports photography”. Issue 67 of their Newsletter contains a number of interesting articles, including “Leaving Film Behind”:

“I was visiting an old friend, a successful commercial photographer who went digital about a year about when the 11- megapixel Canon 1Ds came out. Like anyone who could, he had waited until the quality in digital met his needs before he made the jump from film. Everything about his studio was high-end in 2004 digital studio terms- the computer, the inkjet, the DVD burner.

It wasn’t until I peeked in his equipment locker that I was surprised. Stacked row after row, twenty high: 1 Gigbabyte compact flash cards. There were four hundred and thirty-three, numbered in sequence with red sharpie.”

and “In The Bag: Horse Racing”:

“Whenever I see a uninformed comment on the message board referring to the ease of making images with remote cameras, I always wish that person would have to be one of my assistants for one day at a major event where we are doing multiple remotes, they’d get over themselves pretty quickly. And they’d learn just how precise this all is.”

Website: SportsShooter